"Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.” Alice M. Swaim
I had a bad day...Remember the post I wrote earlier in the week about how BROKEN we are as a Country, especially the Government ? It turns out the IRS is beyond broken...They had the nerve to send me a Bill today for unpaid taxes. ( Yes, earlier this month I blogged how I was going to be getting a rebate in July sometime). Well, another office is very very confused and says I owe them....I don't ...I paid them...But there is nothing worse than getting an IRS envelope, and thinking Yahoooo there will be a check...and instead finding a BILL with Penalties ( yes, FEES...and Thousands of dollars??!?!?!?!, yeah like a single mom makes that kind of money???? I have paid every cent that was owed all these years, I have never ever owed or not paid...so I am beyond furious) I think the fact that my head did not explode is remarkable....And then it stormed all afternoon....I sat and watched crappy movies and drank a liter of Max Diet Pepsi.....and cursed......I have ALL my paperwork...so you KNOW what I will be doing this week, I will be sharing my paperwork AGAIN ( including the cancelled checks)....BIG SIGH.....For tonight...I am going to listen to some music....and try to calm the pulsing sound in my head....Have a good night....
EXTRA EXTRA:::: THE FIRST SNL IS ON TONIGHT, YES THE EPISODE WITH GEORGE CARLIN....
Jody Watley singing "Borderline"....Perfect smokey song for after the storm...
**************************************** {Neighbor's porch.....inspired by the green, the flowering plants} **************************************** “One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, 'What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again?'” Rachel Carson
I am reading a biography about Rachel Carson and listening to some music, I have treasured her books always, and am awed by her prophetic perceptions ....I am putting on Marvin Gaye tonight...good porch music...especially after a thunderstorm...this song is about damaging the Earth....Marvin was so ahead of his time and he got it so right....I have seen only ONE bee this summer so far....Lightening bugs are here, so where are the bees ? Anyways I am going to sit on the porch, drink some iced tea and eat lemon cake and listen to Marvin....have a good night...
Marvin Gaye " Mercy, mercy"
The human race is challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery - not over nature but of ourselves” Rachel Carson
***Footnote about Rachel Carson: She was the first person to confront the Chemical Industry and the Government about the dangers of Pesticides and Herbicides on Fish and Birds and all forms of wildlife, she worked studying the effects as a Fish and Wildlife Employee, and she wrote the famous book "Silent Spring", which is now in reprint, with an intro. by Al Gore. She had a wonderful lyrical way of writing (especially for a scientist). The same time she was confronting the chemical Industry and going to Hearings in DC, she was fighting Breast Cancer. It is ironic now to think that she was speaking about her concern for the wildlife , yet she too was suffering from the damage of studying them for all those years, and also absorbing the chemicals. She remained silent about her Cancer battle, to this day I think Congress should have known of her personel battle, that perhaps they would have understood her concerns better. She also wrote a book called " A Sense of Wonder", that is about sharing nature with children that is wonderful, The Biography I am reading is called "Sea and Earth: The Life of Rachel Carson" by Philip Sterling.
In the Post above I mentioned Rachel Carson....she was an amazing woman and she in many ways changed how we talk about Pesticides, she sounded the alarm in the Sixties, and her messege was wellspoken and well written.These two videos below tell more about her. ( there are also more Youtube Videos about her). If you are a lover of Birds and the outdoors you will greatly appreciate her messege and her courage...and try to read Silent Spring....it is an amazing book.
"To Sin by Silence, when they should protest makes Cowards out of men." Abraham Lincoln
"Are we Still Broken ?" So I have a neighbor down the street that I run into walking the dog. An older fellow, WWII Vet who is wise, sarcastic and pissed. He makes me laugh, he makes think. His caustic wisdom is as insightful as it is painful. We have discussed everything from the GI Bill that was not good enough for McCain to Iraq to Oil to Hillary to Obama to Home Foreclosures to Fearmongering.Here is a smattering of some of his wisdom.
" I may be an old Fool, but I am old enough to know that I want Someone Young at the Helm. And I want someone that will tell me if the Bus Is Broken...which it is." He says this with a wrinkled smile.
"And you can bet this election those Damn Repug Fools will be trying to scare us with some kind of Terror Tomfoolery".
"Nixon would have called these Criminals Real Crooks".
So last weekend, he is out working on his yard and I eavesdropped on his conversation with his neighbor, the retired teacher, the Hillary supporter. He was making conversation with her as she took Hillary sign out of her yard. She was complaining that it was an Awful Process, and that she was going to put the sign back in her yard during the Denver Convention. And she told him that she was not going to vote.
He stopped what he was doing and stared at her jaw gaping, eyes huge. "You are kidding me right?"
"No, I am not, I am not voting. I can not be part of this process any longer, so I just won't be. It was her Turn, Not His."
I watched him get flushed and he had stopped raking and was staring at her hard, I knew that he was going to have to say Something. I watched him take a deep breath and get ready to let her have a piece of his mind.
" Now I have to say. I have known you for some years, but you have me a bit confused. You mean to say when I went and fought the Evil Germans who destroyed their country and many other countries, I was not protecting Freedoms of ALL Americans ? Only Some Americans? And that I was not protecting People that Value the Right to Vote ? Or the People who believe in the Constitution ? And those poor kids over in Iraq right now, WHO is going to Vote to get them Home ? Because you know McCain will leave them there forever, because in his mind, this is NOT as bad as Vietnam. So in this America, that is "Our" America, it is only a partial thing, like sometimes you feel American and sometimes you don't ? And you can pretend that Other People, like me and kids in Iraq don't need your Vote or need you to care ? That is the most Selfish Thing I have ever heard."
He sighed and then finished, " When my nephew gets home from that Hellhole, I will be sure to tell him that not everyone wanted to help get him home."
He looked at her hard, put his rake against the tree and went inside , mumbling about his BP meds.She just stared at him. I continued picking up dog poo and would not look her in the eye, I figured she should be alone with what he said to her. She had been thoroughly schooled and his words hung heavy still in the air.
******************************** John Cusack was on Countdown last week and he asked a really poignant question. He pointed out that if you are not an Activist now, when would you be ? It is a really good question. We are beyond Broken at this point, and we are not going to get infinite chances to fix any of this. The Bush Regime fearmongered us and warmongered us , meanwhile they have broken every single system that we need as a Nation to survive, from Foreign Diplomacy to Infrastructure, to Justice to Energy, to the Constitution to Healthcare.
We are so Broken that the Bigger Question is , is Our Collective Humanity Broken ? Is Our Vision Broken? Because Myoptic Apathy does Kill.....If you don't believe me, I have my Neighbor, The WWII Vet who will tell you about what Germany Looked like after Hitler created a nation of people who were not "involved". Admitting we are Broken is one thing, deciding to Do Something about that is Another.Our Future is in Our Hands.
******************************* This video was on my mind the whole time I wrote this...."Come Undone" by Duran Duran...
The art is "The Homecoming" by Norman Rockwell. This post is crossposted over at Sirens Chronicles.
"Recovery..... A Last love, proper in conclusion, should snip the wings forbidding further flight. But I, now, reft of that confusion, am lifted up and speeding toward the light." Maya Angelou
I have been trying to clean and finish up some household chores....but I got distracted, I found an old book of Maya Angelou poetry.....and I found some fabric to wash and make pillows for the porch...and somehow Little Yellow Dog still got out of her bath....I am not feeling very political....I am nesting....and trying to get my life in order....but in a couple of days I will be back to blogging my normal stuff..promise. Have a good night....namste
I blatantly stole this ad from Gryphen....but I love it...all of it....( and yes, I would also love to have this Deli Mayo....and someone to make me sandwichs....)
{{ oh it is WEd Nite and yeah, the first ad got pulled- well, I found Another Version...take that Youtube :-) }}}
George Carlin died Sunday Night of Heart Failure at a Santa Monica Hospital. This wonderful Genius of the Profane and Profound has left us....He was one of the first Comedians that I treasured. It started with a Bootleg tape of THE WORDS the summer I was 12, and I was hooked. After that those ILLEGAL tapes were traded and coveted. And then I got to see him for the first time on an October Night in 1975, I was on my first Date, and we were at a friend's house watching the very first SNL. ( I will be honest I remember SNL better than the date). He had an honesty and a clarity that was soothing, shocking and refreshing.....I last watched him in a movie- Jersey Girl a few weeks ago on Cable, and realized that he possessed an innate Humanity, and such a sexy cerebral persepective....he was permanently one of my first Crushes... Below some of the memorable Quotes and Insights.Sleep Well Dear George...R.I.P. dear man....
THE FAMOUS "WORDS" ROUTINE....
"When you're born, you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front-row seat." {{ I used to have this bumper sticker on my first car, my 66'Olds Cutless.}}
"Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day." {{ Sent this to my grandfather on a Father's Day Card....}}
In the same interview, he recounted his experience of a California earthquake in the early-1970s as: "...an amusement park ride. Really, I mean it's such a wonderful thing to realize that you have absolutely no control... and to see the dresser move across the bedroom floor unassisted... is just exciting." Later he summarized: "I really think there's great human drama in destruction and nature unleashed and I don't get enough of it."
{{{ This philosophy made him so magical and B-A-D.....you knew if you have been on the Titanic, you would want to sit and share a drink with him while the damn boat went down....}}}
"I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks so I wondered, what do Chinese mothers use? Toothpicks?"
"May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house." {{{ I still have this on a magnet on my frig....}}}
"Women like silent men, they think they're listening."
{{{ So true that is makes me laugh....}}}
A routine in Carlin's 1999 HBO special You Are All Diseased focusing on airport security leads up to the statement: "Take a fucking chance! Put a little fun in your life! ... most Americans are soft and frightened and unimaginative and they don't realize there's such a thing as dangerous fun, and they certainly don't recognize a good show when they see one."
************************************** "The genius of the United States is not best or most in its executives or legislatures, nor in its ambassadors or authors or colleges, or churches, or parlors, nor even in its newspapers or inventors, but always most in the common people. " Walt Whitman.....
We have been having Thunderstorms all day...even golfball sized hail...and some intermittent Internet problems...It is cool and green out, feels like the Northwest. I don't have anything to blog tonight...so below I am sharing a beautiful rock photo, my inspiration for my little garden.( I will let you see my rock formations when I have them all done.) So Below there is the Virtual BBQ receipes, and some music. I will be back to political blogging in a couple of days...taking a break from the headache of it. ( that means I am mad at Obama about FISA)....leave me messeges...I will be in and out the next two days....Namaste.
********************************* “A pile of rocks ceases to be a rock when somebody contemplates it with the idea of a cathedral in mind.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
There are many things that move and inspire me...Trees...Water..of any kind...and yes, Rocks...all rocks...
Okay...so it has been an odd day...Princess Xena has been sick, so I am a little sleep deprived...and behind on posting..my apologies....I have a craving for Cornbread...and since Kid nicely said we need a Receipe Day...I agree., So please do leave me reciepes , we need a Feast..( and since I am going to try to make my dear Xena some homemade chicken, which I am sure will make her feel better...) And yeah, while I have been cooking I have been watching Scotty the Pinyatta testifying and the Whitehouse and the Plamegate Coverup...hmm, some "I don't remembers" but there have been a few little snippets that are damning of Scooter and Rove and yes, even his White House Bosses...I know little yellow dog Lilly is going to be so happy when the Cornbread comes out of the oven.....Her nose is a twitching...I am working on my book "Silent Fallout and Watery Lies " ( by the way I think I am going to go back to calling it Silent Fallout- the other title is too damn long...I should have 3 new chapters up this weekend over on the Blogroll- up by the top.)
So here is the thing , whenever I cook Cornbread I listen to Fleetwood Mac, I have no idea why.....But here is the Friday Night Music...and I think pretty good Solstice Music..."The Chain"....
So Talk to me...How is you First Day of Summer Going? Do you have a BBQ receipe you wanna share?? I betcha do...here is my quote that I wanted to share as a final thought....
Quote of The Day: "Man has inherited the Earth...... For the first time in the history of the planet a single species dominates all.... and the shambles is evident." N.J.Berrill
*************************** Old Family Receipe, doctored by Enigma...
2 Boxes of Jiffy Cornbread 1 small can creamed corn ( secret ingredient) 1 tablespoon brown sugar 2 tsp. maple syrup dash of Old Bay Sprinkle Cinnamon, Nutmeg,and Pumpkin Pie Spice 1 tablespoon Vanilla Coffee Creamer or evaporated sweetened milk 1 tsp baking powder Water 1 half cup...
Mix really well....then put in well buttered round cake pan....bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. It should be warm, fluffy and lightly brown on top and edges. This is soft, moist cornbread....
{Cross Posted over at Sirens Chronicles on wed.6.18.08} ******************************************* This Summer again has proven that at this rate as we all have known since 2005, we should all keep an Ax and blow up rowboat in the attic. The Current Flooding in the Midwest is one example of Disaster Unpreparedness at it's absolute worst ( and I say that with no disrespect to the thousands working to sandbag and people there working to save their homes, farms and communities and businesses).
People say that the Flooding in the Midwest is not as bad Katrina.I have to disagree. There are hundreds of miles and thousands of acres effected in 6 states.Where you really see the scope of this is looking at aerials ( photos and video). I find it interesting the MSM has shown very little of these aerials, if they did people would realize the staggering enormity of this situation.The Heartland is in some ways like Katrina, this is not a wealthy region, this is Middle America at it's finest, small towns and rural farms. King George should not have been on his "Farewell to Europe" tour, he should have come home and been monitoring this devastation. He should have for once been doing Flyovers and inspecting damage and Potential Damage. He should have ordered Branches of the Military to assist, including Coast Guard and even Airforce could have done aerial assessments.Mulitple crops will be effected, from soybean to corn to basic vegetables.So again Food Prices will suffer.
We have seen very little of FEMA or Chertoff ( which in some ways is fine, we do not really need more Brownie Moments).We have not even seen interviews of Red Cross Administration with updates regarding sheltering needs and reports, and really not even any ads. So I am encouraging people to write to the Red Cross, if you donate Specify on your check WHERE you want it to go.Now some of the reporting that has been insufficient might just be a matter of the MSM journlistic inablility to properly report other than Propaganda. I also think some of the Media, like CNN worries what Foreigners see and only show what they see fit. ( You do have to admit that Katrina atleast they did show the aerials with great concern, and actually embarrassed the president to do his famous "Flyover".)
And finally National Guard and Civil Defense Management should all be in place, as ALL aspects of life there are going to be impacted for thousands of people, from the transportation issues ( roads and bridge and raliway damage), to basic needs of living from sheltering to food. It is also important to note that many will be trapped inland with these massive problems. I have seen very few guard at the sandbag line photos. Another question or concern that we should all be asking, do they have enough Guard and Equipment ? Or is it all over in Iraq, this is the time to ask. ( Please also note that we have seen very few interviews with Governors on TV). And another thing that we can do to help our neighbors in the Midwest is to write and call the MSM and demand better coverage of this event that is not just a "weather phenom" it will impact this entire Country for many monthes to come and thousands of lives are effected.
Some of the other issues to come will be the lack of Fresh Potable water, disease risk from the muddy sewage ridden waters, and insects, as well as other contamination concerns.This also raises Medical Concerns for those in the region, during the clean up process, as well has many that are elderly and not physically up to the clean up challenge.Nothing has been said about Aid that will be there to assist these people ,whether it be economic or phyiscal assistance.So once you think on this you can see that Multiple Agencies should have feet on the ground there already, CDC, NOAA, and USGS and Army Corp of Engineers.
When the Bush Regime faces justice for the War Crimes of this Regime, I do hope that one of the aspects they closely examine is the Presidents inablilty to care of Refugees within his own country. His ignorance and incompetent neglect has damaged the lives of thousands, and not all of it can be blamed on the Natural Disasters.Do what you can to help Our Neighbors in the Midwest, be creative and resourceful, they depend on us.Sadly the Sandbags will provide some protection from the waters magnitude, but it will not protect these good people from the Dangerous Incompetence of the Bush Regime.
{{{ Please see Aerial Video Footage below, about one week old. I will post newer footage over at Watergate Summer as I find it. Please know that has a Nurse that has worked Disasters with the Red Cross and had FEMA training, that this post is written with great concern,}}}
I saw this photo....and was flooded with memories...Walking with my son for hours...his small hand holding on,sometimes letting go to explore...but always near...under the cool of the trees....consider it kind of a late Fathers Day post...
*********************
Evergreen Cathedrals ********************* Mystical and magical.... Breezes that whisper... Small Childrens Names... Carrying Distant Secrets.... and Childish Dreams.... Birds Calling like lost lovers... Branches stretching swaying.... with the weight of rainladen leaves.... Afternoons stand still... Timeless and Precious.... Mystical and magical. ************************ Simply Red sings " Holding Back The Years " live...beautiful song... used to sing it to my son as a baby... and now he is almost grown.... I wish sometimes we could hold back the years.... they grow up so fast.....too fast.
****************************************** "We would never learn to be brave and patient if there were only Joy in the World".....Helen Keller
Helen would have been a great Basketball Fan....Because watching the Celtics this year has been all about being patient.....So I cleaned all day..( I am trying to clean out my basement. ) I have been watching all those floods and it dawned on me that if my basement like really flooded- it would be such a disgusting mess. I walked to the store today , and they had brought in Canadian Tomatos- ON THE VINE....omg my little heart be still...So I have been sitting here having my absolute favorite dinner, Tomatoes with dill and Mayo, hardboiled eggs, and a BIG naval orange from California.....
( my apologies to California and West Coast friends....but the song below is for the Celtics...and Boston).
Harry was supposed to help me clean ....this is how far he got....He sorted some papers...and proceeded to catnap...and snore....But he did manage to condense some chapters of my book...and for that I am grateful....I put Dave Matthews on for him...(actually I always put Dave Matthews on when I clean....)
To all the Fathers out there... have a Wonderful Day... may you have many hugs and bad ties and ugly socks and may the grill have much chicken and burned hotdogs..... may you know that you are loved and treasured......
Beautiful Song for Father's Day....Eric Clapton "My Father's Eyes" LIVE
( The song is dedicated to 6-6's wonderful dad miles away .....we send hugs to you..)
********************************* Beautiful isn't it ?.....Know what it is ? see if you can figure it out.....Let me know what you think it is.... I did an early Morning Post over at the Peace Tree....a Poem... It has been a quiet Saturday....fighting a Stomach Flu and a wounded Hand ( thank you to my poor old senile cat).....I am working on my posts for tomorrow...Fathers Day...and trying to update my blogroll....Do look at the Blogroll and look at some New Blogs Added: Darwins' Dagger, Substitute Teacher, The Truffle, Kellybelle, Fixer& Gordon, WeaselDog, Ghost Dansing, Will "take-no-prisoner's"Hart.....
Enjoy the Saturday Night Music..... Midnight Music.... "One the Border" Live Al Stewart....
He collapsed and died at work....this is truely sad...for him, his family and his co-workers. Gone too soon.... ( I am really too stunned to write anything....but you are welcome to share thoughts in the Comment thread below...)
Senator Obama's statement on Russert's death,
( I will post others...but this one was so well spoken...and so heartfelt, truly a beautiful eulogy on the tarmac.)
Here is a video to provide a little comfort.....Tracy Chapman sings "The Promise", beautiful video.....Watching Keith tonight interview people about Tim's death, it was poignant, listening to the stories....and memories...In the end it is about what we Share that matters....and why it matters.....I thought about this song, because atleast he got to share time with his family, some time in the sun...and be with the people he loved....( on his vacation in Italy)...and then I was also struck he did die doing what he loved....and listening to these stories..I was stuck by how he nurtured so many people around him...and shared of himself...and he lived with passion and curiosity and heart....how can we not be moved and inspired by that ?
He made Promises and he kept them...he kept his focus, on his family and he got to see his son graduate from college, and helped care for his dad...and even wrote a book honoring his dad and all dads...and he tried to do his job with Integrity and great enthusiasm.....I like to think of him in Heaven , doing some more "great " interviews worth getting....Nixon, FDR, Ike, and maybe even Abe....And yes, sharing a cuppa coffee with Peter Jennings...and yes....he will be waiting there for Big Russ....
Namaste.....take care of each other friends, share extra hugs tonight....Time is a Gift....always.
The Announcement on Friday Afternoon By Tom Brokaw...
************************************ Moments to remember.... The 2000 Election....and the Erasaboard....The Palm Tree Interview with Colin Powell.....David Duke interview....this Debate and Election Primary season of 2008....and when he recognized the History of this Primary Season....( and yes, when he announced it was over for Hillary...)
Sundays will not be the same..... Going to really miss him...
Paul Newman riding the bike in "Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid" the great BJ Thomas Song, " Raindrops Keep falling on my Head"..... Watch him as he does tricks for "Etta"...Really Beautiful song and Video.
The Famous "JUMP" Scene from Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid....2 minutes of pure magic...If you don't remember this scene....you must watch....it will make you smile....
When I was growing up my favorite summer memories are going to the movies with my Grandmother Flo.....I have written about her before, she was beautiful....Soft Auburn wavy hair, very gentle and classy with blue eyes....In the summer the lingering Lemon Lavendar Estee Lauder would waft behind her on the summer breeze....She loved the romantic movies, and the great mysteries. There was nothing better than sitting in the Cool Dark theater and drink tall Fountain Soda Cokes, and dig through her bag of goodies. She would pack NonPariels and Almonds and Silbers Cookies in her purse...and lots of tissue. She took me to my first Bond and First Redford and Newman Movies.She took me when I was eight to see Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid....twice.
Paul Newman totally won my heart that summer. This movie led me to all of his movies, and I was awestruck. There are many great movies. If you have not seen the "Long Hot Summer", you must rent it. In thise beautiful Steamy movie, it is obvious that he and Joanne Woodward were passionately in love, and they have been together ever since. Fifty years in Hollywood Marriage standards is quiet remarkable.
He has not only made so many wonderful movies, he has put his money where his heart is. He set up Newmans Own, a company where all the profits go to so many good charities. Atleast 200 Million have been given to so many good causes and charities. The Company makes healthy foods, salad dressing, coffee, salsa,Chips, popcorn,Amazing Spaghetti Sauce and even chocolates...Some of the money goes to The Hole In the Wall Gang, which is his organization that helps thousands of children go to camp every summer.He is very political in a quiet way, he supported Eugene McCarthy back in 1968, and earned a spot on Nixon's Enemies' List. He also supported Ned Lamonts run and Chris Dodd presidential bid. He lives in Connecticutt quietly with his wife of 50 years Joanne Woodward.He has children and grandchildren, and his private life has remained private, it is something he protects and relishes. Other than his Racing Career, he has been quietly living beneath the Hollywood radar.He was due to Direct "Mice and Men " this year, but due to health issues, that has been put in hold as of May 2008.
There have been many rumors and speculation about Paul Newman's Health in recent monthes. The one rumor is that he is battling Lung Cancer. I don't know what the Truth is, I do know he looks gaunt, and I really want to respect his privacy....but I lost my grandmother to Breast and Lung Cancer....if he is battling Lung Cancer...It is a hard Road. So maybe send some prayers and Light his way...
({Click the Title to learn more about Newman's Own }}
{{{ Scroll down to Old Man McCoot Week in Review, and a "review: of his First Town Hall aka Nauseum in the Round...and Also My IRS Experience "Getting Stimulated", and other goodies....}}}
So Every Thursday I am going to try to Log McSame's Old Coot Wonders, this week: (1) Huff post: Video clip about computers, and how he doesn't use them....oh dear...(susposedly filmed 6 weeks ago) (2) About bringing troops home from Iraq " Not Important"....The Holy Crap Moment of the Week. ( Even Matt Lauer blanched) (3) The in appropriate "Beer " comment of the week....( yeah- he was talking about Veto-ing earmarks- and somehow- his mind wandered off to get a "beer". (4) So after the NOT Important Blunder he gave a little Presser- making it clear that we are"Winning" in Iraq ??? really ??? that is the word he used ??? Does he think we are Stupid ???
The Old Coots First Town Hall Meeting:
He is giving a Town Hall meeting this week in Manhatten ( exlusively on FOCKS right now, the joke is, no one else would carry it, I don't think that really makes it an Exclusive.).It is a very contrived staged event- kind of Like Bushs 2004 Summer Staged Events. Alot of really white Upper Middle Class people, alotta suits, alotta ties...most look slightly bored and slightly sleepy from the Heat. I bet it was some kind of Invite Only. I don't see the Beer Baroness.He is pacing and grumbling , every now and then he gets that glazed look that reminds me of when my grandfather forgot where the Car Keys were....He forgot to wear his Lapel Pin ( again). And the Audience keeps clapping off cue, and he blinks with confusion and forgets his place in the speech. At one point during the speech by accident, the camera panned the audience, and accidentally caught a handfull of reporters and others sneeking out a back curtain, this was right before he brought his "Continoue SURGE Strategy"....( Someone needs to tell the Republican Cougars to stop wearing Hot Pink Suits to these events- it makes them look like they are on fire...) He is still pacing in a circle, the audience is looking around, checking the Exit Status....there are alot of glistening forheads, there needs to be some Air turned on, or there will be some wilting soon....in between the polite confused off cue golf claps.
(As a Nurse I went to a conference on Stool Softners and Bowel Regimes that had more enthusiasm and light moments.....)
Dare I say it...Yes, I have to...It is WORST than his Green Screen Speech....urgh...this I do KNOW , Someone needs to Make a 3AM ad....I would hate to see HIM answer the phone at 3am,......
Okay Keith Olbermann gave a Special Comment about the Not Important War in Iraq issue- I will post when it is up on YouTube.
************************************************ *{ This Post is also Crossposted over at "Sirens Chronicles", which has a beautiful new template, head over and enjoy so many well written thoughtful posts, it is edited by Betmo and Dusty......}*
Okay,So everybody is waiting for their Stimulus Checks.And yet some people have their checks, and yes some people have spent their money already.The funny thing is that most people I know are spending the Stimulus check on unpaid Bills, or other even groceries. I don't really know anyone spending it on Something Extravagant.
So here I sit wishing, hoping and planning. So some of my neighbors have gotten their checks, and I keep getting Car Flyers in the mail, so I know that Somewhere there is a List that must say that I am on a Rebate List. So I went to the IRS website and looked up my Date. If you go to their website it posts the Dates of the Mailings which are organized by Social Security Number's last two digits. So in May I looked up my number and my date and I was ready. Or Was I ?
So this week, when the Midwest went Sweltering, and I realized that no a BIG fan was not going to sooth my soul, gee that Stimulus Check would sure be Something to have. I could go buy another Fan, a BIGGER Fan, or even a mini- AC unit.When it is 98 degrees you do start to crave those kinds of Luxuries, especially when you have a stack of enticing flyers sitting on the table. So I rechecked my "date" with Destiny, and sure enough it has been a good 10 days since it was DUE, so I am thinking I should Investigate the MISSING Check ( aka MY Money).
So I get prepared for this Adventure in Phone Service, and reaching out to Connect with the IRS.Who for the past 3 years have provided nothing but good times. I sit down with a pitcher of Iced Tea, Nail Polish ( 3 shades), the Check Book that needs balancing,and a dog brush to brush Little Yella Dog. I know that this will take forever and a day...and I am terrible at Being On Hold.
So I call a total of SIX different Numbers to find out the RIGHT Number to talk to a HUMAN being and ask Questions. Now I think I should share that with you, as it works for now. It is 800-829-1954. I was on hold for quite an eternity, over 47 minutes. They have horrible Hold Music, I had the pleasure of listening to the NUTCRACKER , specifically "The Dance of the Sugar Plum Ferries" three times. I was amused by this, it struck me that someone at the Federal Government has a huge sense of humor. So while I held , I painted my Nails, Bright Purple with Black Stripes and some glitter. Then I brushed the tired hot dog, and then I balanced the Checkbook, and read the great article about RFK in Vanity Fair. By now it is 99 degrees, and I have run out of things to do. So I did what I do when I am bored, I watched a Mexican Soap Opera and made up the translation. ( My poor teenage son thinks I speak Spanish- I don't....I am just very good at reading Bad Dramas).
Finally an actual Human Being comes to the line. We will call him MrPickles, because that is very close to what his name was, and he was very polite, and nice, like someone that is accustomed to having his head chewed off on the hour. He sounded like Paul Giamani.So we sorted through the muck and mire and minutia of trying to track the allusive money. You will need your tax returns and know when you sent it etc. So he put me back on hold ( oh joy), and went and checked about my Missing Check.
So he comes back to the phone after 7 minutes and tells me that he has good news and bad news. He has located my Information, and I am getting a refund. ( and no he could not tell me how much- which I thought was a little odd). And that it was "processed" on May 26th, BUT......( and my hot little heart sank- WHY oh WHY is there ALWAYS a "BUT" ? ) So I said "But?" "Well, it was Processed on May 26th, but you won't get it for a while, 4-6 weeks from that date, so I would say the earliest you will get it, is the Middle of July. "
I sighed deeply...and asked what Anyone would ask " Can I ask WHY it takes So long ? I mean I did file on time and send my money in on time...and the website is a bit deceptive and actually gives DATES of Mailings, Can you Explain ?"
Mr.Pickles nicely explained that Apparently the IRS is Overwhelmed and Never expected SO MANY people to file for the Rebate, even Disabled People and Elderly People and People on Social Security Filed for It. So I said ,"So TOO MANY people need Money ? Does the Federal Government realize So Many People are hurting? "
Mr.Pickles, ( clearing throat...) ,"Well, They do now."
( So I am sitting there wondering are they having to print more money in the basement to meet the Demand of these Rebates ? How out of touch are they that they didn't think we would all file for some extra money ????)
Then we discuss my Messed Up Name Status ...I seperated from my husband in 2003 ( yes the same month as the Damn War), and they my divorce date ( yes, the same month as Katrina)....Now I mention this because MY DATES have posed a HUGE Timing Problem for the Federal Government. They are still having Huge Problems trying to figure out WHO I am. Yes, I have waited an Eternity for a Proper New Social Security Card. But Mr .Pickles informs me, reassures me that I have plenty of company, as MANY Katrina Folks are STILL Waiting for THOSE NEW Cards too....Well that makes me feel so much better....So I say to Mr.Pickles..
" You have been very nice, very helpful..BUT do you ever get the feeling that Maybe , just maybe, OUR Government is , well, BROKEN? "
I heard a gulp on the other end of the line from Mr.Pickles.
"Yeah...Everyday. " ***************************** "Money" by Pink Floyd.....of course.
"It only take one person to change your life- you." Ruth Casey
It has been storming off and on today...that cools it off for a little while, and then it gets Steamy again. I wish I lived near a Little piano bar....I would walk down ang get a Ice Cold beer...( and I don't really drink beer)....The Heat has given me a ferocious headache....that and I called the IRS yesterday to chat about my missing Stimulus Check.....I will blog that tomorrow...not today....I have been too hot to do anything other than tidy up and walk the dog and nag 6-6....and move the limp cats from room to room...There are more thunderstorms rumbling in the background...I am off to find snacks for 6-6...Have a beer for me...
Okay so for tonight....here at the Piano Bar, Brenda Russell singing... Have a Good Night....
I look at these Rockers and I have to laugh, I don't think Bush and Scotty will be a rocking this summer....or ever. More and More People are finally saying that Scotty should Testify and answer Some Serious Questions about the Bush Regime and the Lead up to the War....What Questions would and should be asked ? What would you like to ask ? It's going to happen in July, Scotty will face The Questions....
Meanwhile the Waters are rising in the MidWest, and they have been showing the Bursting Dams on the Verge, and people lining up to fill sandbags. I watched this today and I kept thinking this is WHY we need OUR National Guard HERE, this is WHY you have a Guard. Some of the people they showed don't even look healthy enough to be filling sandbags.....
Meanwhile in the Midwest and the East the other story is the Inusfferable Heat, singing it's way across the country. Many people are still paying off their Heat bills from the Winter, and now the Cooling Bills will pile on. Stimulus Checks will be used to keep people cool or pay off their Winter Heat Debt. People going away to escape the heat ? Not likely.....
If you have an extra 200 dollars where would you go and would that cover Gas and one night of B&B or a hotel for the night? Investigate, see what you find.....
Meanwhile...I can' fix half of these problems...So Here are some Free Hugs ...
Earth, Wind & Fire "Fantasy" LIVE.....( one of the Best Live versions out there....)
******************************* "Acceptance is not submission,it is acknowledgement of the facts of a situation. Then deciding what you are going to do about It." Kathleen Casey Theisen ******************************* Since we are remembering great music of days gone by....This was one of my favorites...( okay anything by Earth,Wind and Fire....)always reminds me of Summer Nights....sitting up after waiting tables...and bartending....reminds me of sitting on my Fire Escape, barefoot.....early 20's...clove cigarettes...( I know- shame on me)...3 Dollar wine....and soggy nachos....early Eighties...Blasting my stereo....and wishing Reagon would not be President much longer....wishing for Something...wishing for Something Better....
Dennis Kucinich is reading his Impeachment Resolution against Bush into the Record LIVE on CSpan.....Go Dennis...Somehow the "Fantasy " song is Good Background Music for This.....He is still trying to Do Something....about this Criminal Regime.....( Me ...at this point...I am thinking Crimes Against Humanity....War Crimes Trials...but that is just me....yeah here I sit...Wishing...again...for Something....)
Need Something GOOD to read?? Head over to SKippy's and he has a link to Freeway Blogger's Latest Adventures-He got Busted...yup....BUT it has a Real Interesting Ending...Head over...
And then, do you wonder HOW is it here in Ohio???is there trouble Economy wise? .....go read Jolly Roger's post at Reconstitution....really amazing post...
So it is STILL Hot as Hades...even after a Huge Thunderstorm....
The sun is setting and for a few moments it looked like a Thunderstorm was moving through....now there is only a Summer Breeze....
I took Little Yellow Dog for a walk... she panted.. I panted.... It was a short walk...
And on the Summer Breeze..... There are wet petunias, and Lilacs and Honey Suckle, freshly sprayed lawns that still have that heaven scent of being freshly mowed and the afternoon sun..... Young college Boys burning hot dogs on grills and drinking On Sale Beer on porches... Young Girls fresh from the shower with their wet Herbal Essence Hair and Baby Love perfume spray and and cocanut suntan lotion... walking up the street in sundresses with flip flops and chatter.... And young chidren playing tag with wet towels and Coppertone smiles and dripping popsicles... as they run through sprinklers.... and cats draped across the wicker and porch railings... lulled to sleep by the Summer Breeze.
**{ Be sure to go see Mandt over at Agitdiaries.....Birthday Wishes and Hugs are in Order....}**
*********************************** It is 98 Degrees.....Humidity is 59%....So that means when you walk outside, it feels like you are wrapped in Sticky Scotch Tape. I watched the Women Softball Team play China on MSNBC, what a classy bunch of ladies....I am hoping to find a Good Movie to watch.....Last night I watched "The Cider House Rules", what an amazing movie, it was not what I thought it was, it covers a broad spectrum of issues,racial tensions, incest, abortion, but it is not a dark movie at all....it is Thoughtful, So I am sitting here ....dripping....melting...I have not found a movie yet, I need a good one...I am reading Flannery O'Connor Stories....She understood Heat...The kind of Heat that makes one Think More....I have been working on Silent Fallout & Watery Lies ( the next three chapters, I think I need to change the Title Back just to Silent Fallout)....It is a perfect day to Think More...Write More...
So the Sun Tea today is Raspberry Tea...with Mint.....Have Some Tea....What is on your Sunday ?....I hope it is a Good One.... I hope a cool breeze finds you...
"Let the Beauty we love be what we do.There are a hundred ways to kneel and kiss the ground". Rumi, a Sufi Poet
"Smooth" Rob Thomas and Carlos Santana.....may as well just embrace the Heat....
Skippy has James Taylor on over at his place tonight.....so I thought why not a little Carly, LIVE, singing at a Concert on the beach in Martha's Vineyard...and in a way...Aren't we Coming Around Again ? Down on the post Below Fran started a Discussion about a Great Fundraiser Idea for this summer....for Obama...and a way for us all to come together...What's on your mind ? It's Saturday Night...
********************************** Summer has landed in all its Humid glory....So before I go find a Green Tea Frappacino and walk the dog, and water the plants or curl up on the porch with the morning papers, or check on that Jar of Peach Sun Tea...I wanted to put this post up....It has been a really long week...I don't have alot to say...but I did want to share these two videos....they are beautiful and inspiring...Have a good Saturday...I think we all are looking at things with New Eyes...Namaste.
"The real Voyage of Discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having New Eyes." Marcel Proust
Si Se Puede....
There is Something in the Air......by Robert of Left of Centrist
Late on Friday Nights, I write a Post over at Peace Tree. PoetryMan has a wonderful Blog there, it has amazing writers and the creativity there is inspiring. Today's Post is dedicated to We The People and the Darkness from which we are emerging and this Historic Week.Robert Rouse made a beautiful video this week about the Obama Movement and it is attached to that Post on Peace Tree, and I will post it here later tonight.
There are Two Souls in Blogatopia I would give my Paul Wellstone Inspiring Blogger awards to, it would be PoetryMan and Robert Rouse of Left of Centrist. Both have used all of their talents to inspire and bring Creative Depth to fighting for Our Country....
********************************* I have written about Robert F.Kennedy many times...he is one of my heros...I last wrote of him earlier this month "Remembering 1968" over on "Peace Tree " Blog ( which I will post later this weekend here). My son and I share quotes all the time, these are some of our favorites, please share yours too, and any memories or videos...It's the 40th anniversary of losing a Great Man.....that we can only remember and honor.
Tonight on Friday Night, at 8PM there is a Special on CNN about Bobby.....
"Progress is a nice word,but Change is it's motivator.And Change has enemies."
"All of us might wish at times that we lived in a more tranquil world, but we don't. And if our times are difficult and perplexing, they are also challenging, and filled with Opportunity."
"Each time a human stands up for an ideal,or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice,he sends forth a tiny ripple of Hope". ************************************ [Click the Title "Gotta Serve Somebody" , tribute video to Bobby Kennedy]
********************************* This was first posted...on 6.5.08... Please do go read some other Wonderful posts honoring Bobby ( I will update this list during the day), Robert Rouse at Left of Centrist...And Dusty 's post today is also a Must Read......Also do go over to Sirens Chronicles there is a wide selection of good reads.....and Distributor Cap wrote a beautiful Bobby Post on Friday May30th....and John Good's post with Videos is a NOT to be Missed...
Originally posted 6.5.08 2am We All Have a Dream Now....Let's Honor This Moment....Let's Work Together and Take back the White House....
This Little Boy is Our Future, and now as History was made on Tuesday Night, he can grow up to be Whatever he wants. I rewatched the Obama Nominee Speech on CSpan ( because YouTube was jammed, I did finally find it, thank you TPM, it is posted below.). On Cspan, they panned the audience more and showed people's faces, and it was extraordinary. Those people waited in lines over a mile long, and stood for over 8 hours, and waited 3 hours in the auditoreum. There were 19,000 people in the auditoreum, and 15,000 outside listening to it, together. They all came to be a part of History. As the CSpan Camera panned the faces, I saw Children and young men and mamas with tears, and I realized I too was crying. But not because of a Hunger for the Sixties any longer, but because We are Marching Into a Very Different Future.....Together.We are going to save Our Country and end this Era of this Criminal Regime.....and bring back Our Bill of Rights and Our Constitution. And we are going to give this Little Boy a Better Future....where he can be Anything he wants to be. ********************************** Scroll down and I have the videos up from this week, including the beautiful speech by Senator Obama. I also have a tribute to Robert F.Kennedy . If you click the title, I have linked a beautiful video to the Song "Longer", by Dan Fogelberg, it was my favorite lullaby to sing to my son as a baby.....Have a good Friday, it has been a Historic Week. ********************************* On this Post I have added Robert Rouse's Video, he is so talented, but also insightful, It is amazing,it captures the Energy and Momentum of this Moment....He also has a wonderful post over at Left Of Centrist about Bobby Kennedy that is beautiful.
Obama and Hillary had a secret meeting tonight, they managed to have it without the press breathing hot and heave all over them....they needed to meet. There is much to discuss, much to sort, and much to plan. I hope that it was a start to how to plan how to heal the many rifts and bitterness.Were they able to mend some of the damage and talk? Were they able to admit that it had been a very long battle ? Did he offer her some help planning how to Sooth her Supporters? Did they talk about how to calm Bill ? Did she apologize for her lack of manners on Tuesday ? I hope so...I hope that healing has begun....there is too much at stake...too many people that need Unity.
But shame on the Press for pressuring both of them ,and shoving the "Dream Ticket" every ten minutes, both these candidates and their supporters need a break from them forcefeeding their Own Agenda.
(( On her blog, her supporters still want her to take it to Denver, to take away his Michigan Numbers that the Rules Committee appointed to him.The blog threads at her website are full of anger, irrational rancor, she needs to heal this, and mend fences...maybe he can even help her with that...))
I went over to Hillaryland last night, because I was thinking about her supporters. I was worried about them, and wondering how they are feeling. I have had some come here and they seem bitter, and resentful, but also tired and let down. But I have thought alot about them and their dreams too, I find it odd that they don't and can't seem to open their hearts to Another Dream.But maybe it is because they were working hard for someone that they believed in.5000 of them have already started an organization to support McCain, I suspect they were not Democrats to begin with, maybe they were Repugs that had wanted to vote for a woman ? Maybe they are tired, and maybe even disillusioned, as they had also been told by the Media that Hillary was the Chosen Candidate for many many monthes.I am writing this post, because I hope that people can understand, I don't want to see any Hillary Supporters attacked here. There has to be some sort of path to Healing. I hope that Hillary can Lead her path to healing, not more anger and rancor, but she needs to start soon. Over on her blogs, her followers are angry, fuming and feeling disenfranchised. It is her time to address that and talk to her supporters, reassure them, comfort them and Lead them. I hope tomorrow that she does that. Her Blog says that she is going to have a "Rally" , that worries me, I am hoping that she gives a beautiful comforting inspiring Concession Speech.....Her followers need her to help them heal.
Hillary's Exit Speech is now planned for Saturday....
Okay two different people sent me this Video, and it is very strange. There is this weird colorful display in the sky, I have no idea WHAT it is....So if Anyone out there is of a Scientific bend, tell WHAT is this ??? It looks like Something Arthur C.Clarke would explain on his Mysterious Show ....Go ahead wow me...
SENATOR OBAMA IS THE PRESUMPTIVE NOMINEE, HE HAS WON ALL THE METRICS AND MADE HISTORY TONIGHT.
The People Voted and Caucused and put him over the top, and the Superdels also came forward and added their Support to support the Efforts of WE THE PEOPLE. At 9PM he Hit the Number that was needed to Win the Nomination, 2118. He did it with a Mammoth Grassroots Movement, that has been ongoing for many many monthes. Millions of people worked to help achieve this, it was no small feat. We all should be so proud of him and the Obamas, and the Staff and Volunteers that gave so much to save Our Country.THIS Movement is Real, and here to Stay. Change has Arrived.
Tonight in St.Paul he gave an Electrifying Speech to 19,000 inside the Arena and also 15,000 that waited outside to see and hear him and be a part of History. People waited for many Hours today to be a part of this, and The LINE to see him was over a MILE long.( The MSM should have showed this to the Public, all the Public on Regular TV, and the Evening News.).
He continues to need Our Support and Encouragement. We also need to express Our Gratitude. It is also OUR Movement, and if we have Strong Feelings about His Campaign, His Choice of VP and His Cabinet, I am encouraging people to write to him and also go to his website and express yourself.
WE ARE THIS MOVEMENT. IT IS OUR TIME. ***************************************** Senator Obama's ONE VOICE Video
Terry MacCaulliffe on the AM shows 5-9am, said that she would Concede, he is her campaign manager. He should know. Then HOURS later, at 3am, he was frantically calling MSNBC and CNN claiming that she was NOT conceding - though AP had already run with the Story , along with EVERY Major Paper. (It was like the FIRST Interview of the Day had NEVER happened.)
OTHER FOOTNOTES TO THIS EVENING::: Someone should also ask Terry, as he is in Charge of the Budget WHERE the 34 Millon Dollar Debt went? AND WHO is paying that now- since Hillary was asking for Money again in her speech 1.48 Minutes into her "Speech" tonight.
AND Bill Apologized Supposedly for his Vanity Fair Comments, BUT the MEDIA needs to RUN the Entire Tape that was spoken to Huffington Post, where he BLAMES OBAMA FOR EVERYTHING that has Happened to Hillary- it is over on Huffpost- Listen to the Entire Audio- even the part that the MSM refused to air.He spoke of Obama as badly as he did the reporter. For ANYONE that thinks Hillary should be VP- you must listen to this tape. Period. ( Huffpost linked to the title).
I am not trying to rain on Obama's Glorious Victory, but I am trying to Keep the FACTS on record here.
********************************************* Obama: ONE VOICE Video
From the Streets of Chicago, to Barbershops and House By House....We have come to Know This Man, and Chose Him to lead us out of the Darkness of these Eight Years.....Thank You so much to Everyone....
"We don't need more Heat in DC, we need more Light " Obama in Feb 2008
Senator Obama is expected to reach Delegate Count today that puts him in position as the Democrat Nominee...We will update throughout the Day....YES WE CAN video posted below...On a cold winter morning Gryphen sent me this video, and at the time it had only been viewed 200 times, within hours that would all change....And within mere days ALL of us would know Obama 's NH speech by heart....This video and that speech has gotten many of us through some rough moments. Have Hope, this will be an amazing day ....All News and Numbers will be in the Comment Thread.
[Click the Title to see Obama 's BEST Ad..."ONE VOICE" ....and let's keep Senator Byrd and Senator Kennedy in our thoughts today as well....Namaste ]
{{Afternoon Extra Credit::: Do some homework about Hillary's Baggage aka. Bill- take a listen to the Huffpost Audio Tape of What Bill said about Obama to the reporters about the Vanity Fair Article, and he rants and raves about Obama, and actually blames Obama for the article, the Media has NOT played the Entire Tape.}}
Senator Obama's Race for the Whitehouse is entering a Different phase, he will reach the Nominee threshold this week.....He will reach the new number needed, 2118.....it is Within Reach.
After Storms and heavy rains and much thunder....when you least expect it, the skies clear... and there is a Rainbow....I know many are on pins and needles...is this the week that this is going to End ? Is the Magic Number going to be reached in the next two days?...This weekend watching the Rules Committee, it was made pretty clear that the Voters that have voted and caucused are to be respected....The fact that this meeting was held , and that it was televised, that is more transparency than we have ever had. The only people that have not acknowlesged the Rules Meeting , the Clintons. Which is odd, considering how for monthes she was so focused on making sure their Votes Count, yet today the Voters of Michigan and Florida were barely mentioned by her. The Rules Committee made an announcement, and she did not acknowledge it or announce it. In a way it reminded me of how she has disenfranchised the caucus states one by one.
Obama is 46.5 away from the winning number....it has been a Marathon....with Many Hurdles...But we are with him on this Path...Millions of us...This is a Movement.
Hillary is still hoping to Change the rules, or for some glorious backroom deal....I think Change has arrived.....I have Hope....
{ Music is "Beautiful Day" Live by U2, I look at these thousands of souls at Wembley, and think of all of us,WE THE PEOPLE, the phone calls we made, the canvassing, the Rallies and the Hours and Lines to get in, the Midnight Bloggers, and I also think of my friends so far away rooting for Obama, rooting for us to Save Our Country ...or you can click the title and once again watch "YES WE CAN" and down below..."We are all in this together" by Ben Lee }}
IMPORTANT UPDATE:: While we are thinking positive and keeping Hope in our Hearts....Please also keep Senator Ted Kennedy in your thoughts and prayers, as he is having very delicate surgery on his Brain for his cancer today at 9am, it is atleast a 6 hour surgery. Namaste.
Another Update::: Robert Byrd is hospitalized tonight with a High fever and lethargy....prayers and light to this other Party elder...
*** Footnote::: MSNBC is saying that Obama is only 39.5 to the Nomination, but Obama's website says 41.5, sorry, I really do not know which number is right..I will double check in AM
